Marin Readers' Forum for Aug. 26

Vaccinations are important not only for a specific child and family, but for entire schools and communities throughout California ("Number of Marin children without vaccinations continues to grow; health officials worried," IJ, Aug. 18).

As the IJ details, while misinformation exists, all Californians are healthier and places are safer when children receive recommended vaccinations.

Following these suggestions is a common-sense and economical way for parents to take control of the health of their children and families, and can protect people from contracting more than a dozen infectious diseases

As our kids head back to school, it is important that we take the necessary, pro-active steps to safeguard the health of our state's youngest citizens and our communities.